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Tuesday, 16 March 2010 02:00

Norton Brass Rattler

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I received a Norton Brass Rattler after the ICAST show that was held in Orlando recently and finally found the time to test it out the other night. To tell the truth, I was a bit skeptical.  Not anymore, over 100 inches of Redfish, Snook and Trout will change your mind real quick.

Conditions: Afternoon, mid 80’s. Water temp, mid 70’s. Lite winds.  Incoming tide.

Equipment: Quantum Boca 7’6” BCIS 76IM  medium action rod. Quantum Catalyst PT20 Inshore Reel, 10 lb Power Pro, 25 lb Seagar Fluorocarbon leader

Lure: Norton Brass Rattler, 2 ¼” 7/16 oz Pearl and Gold Flake.



“Norton Brass Rattler spoons are made to cast like a bullet. The rattle chamber is made from real pistol brass. The 5/8" is from 38 cal., and the 7/16" is from 32 cal. Both transmit loud clicking sound waves similar to frightened shrimp, crabs and crawfish combined with the bait fish rainbow finish provoke savage attacks from redfish, specks, bass, and other game fish. The unique long life weed guard on the weedless models is made from nylon-coated stainless steel cable.”

The first thing you notice about this unique lure is the rattle.  Made from an empty bullet shell, it makes a dull clicking sound when worked properly.  The other thing I really thought was different was the weed guard.  Made from coated stainless steel cable is completely flexible and can be rigged on or off the hook. After a full afternoon of use, it did get a little mis-shaped, but it is easily adjusted back to its original form.  Given regular use, I would use a slightly stiffer rod, as the heavier weight of the lure was a little bit too much for my medium action rod.  Like the website says, it casts like a bullet.  I found that you could really cast this lure a long way, even into a slight breeze.  The retrieve was much quicker than other spoons in order to obtain that back and forth wobble action that is desired in spoon lures. The hook set was really easy, and I found the hook stayed extremely sharp, even after numerous redfish.  The actual spoon part is made from a hard plastic which held up really well.  Some of the gold flakes wore off, but overall the finish held up great. I also like the contrasting red on the inside of the lure.
Overall, I was impressed with this lure.  Like I said, I didn’t have high expectations at first.  But after using this unique lure, I would highly recommend it to anyone.

For more information please visit Norton Brass Rattler at www.nortonbrassrattler.com

Read 2519 times Last modified on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 05:22
Bill Howard

About the Author: Bill has lived and fished the South shore of Tampa Bay since 1972. An aspiring photographer and writer, he has had several of his pictures published in several local fishing publications and was selected to write for an Australian Kayak Fishing Journal called “Blade”. He is on the Pro Staff  for Fins Braid, Columbia Sports Wear and Slayer Inc.

As a member of the Malibu Kayaks Pro Team, Bill is active in the local and state tournament scene. He has won numerous Catch, Photo and Release tournaments as well as several online tournaments. He has also helped organize demonstration days and seminars covering such topics as safety as well as fishing the flats.

In 2008 he completed a 129 mile, 17 day trip around Tampa Bay. The event called “Paddle Around the Bay” raised nearly $4000 dollars for the American Heart Association. He also volunteered his time and served on the Hillsborough County Sea Grass Task Force. Charged with developing plans to protect the fragile sea grass in Tampa Bay, the committee made recommendations directly to the county commissioners that when put into place will greatly improve the health of the sea grass in the bay.

Bill serves as Vice President of the Tampa Bay chapter of Hero’s on the Water. This group is tasked with taking injured and recovering veterans out fishing in kayaks. Paddle. Fish. Heal is their motto.

My Sponsors

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    Malibu
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  • Lure
    Slayer Inc.
  • Other
    Fins Fishing Line

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